Korea DPR wins FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, claims third title

Korea DPR defeated Japan by a lone goal to clinch the trophy, making history with a third title.

First half goal from impressive 17-year-old starlet Choe Il-son, gave them the match-winner against their fellow Asian.

The North Koreans dominated from start to finish in Bogota, but were limited to just a goal, which was enough.

Korea DPR became history makers, joining Germany and USA as three-time and highest title winners.

The Korean  side slayed some of the biggest names at the tournament, to clinch the title. The Netherlands were brushed aside in the groups, South American champions Brazil, in the Round of 16. They also chased home record holders USA in the quarters before 2018 champions, Japan, in the final.

The Japanese also gave a good fight but were however outplayed by the Koreans’ relentless pressure, dizzying movements and counters.

Korea DPR almost scored from the fifth minute when Choe Il-son forced a smart save from Akane Okuma. She later gave her nation the lead on the quarter-hour mark with a solo goal.

Picking up the ball on Japan’s left, she eased past Rio Sasaki into the box, twisted Aemu Oyama and sent home a shot that between a trio of Japanese defenders.

The Young Nadeshiko struggled to find a way back but could only shoot off target and were outplayed by the Koreans.

Korea DPR continued to set the tempo all through the game. Both Sin Hyang and Choe sending efforts over the bar. Japan finally had their first shot on target in the 82nd minute but could not make it count.

Korea DPR scored 25 goals in the tournament, making it the second highest tally in the tournament’s history.

This is the first time that Korea DPR have won seven successive matches at the tournament.

Korea DPR coach, Ri Song-ho, expressed his joy over the victory, crediting the girls for their impressive performance.

“To firstly win the Asian Cup and now follow that with this success means that I’m so proud of the team. We have shown that we are very dangerous in the way that we build up attacks, it’s all about speed and the construction of our attacks”, Song-ho said.

Chae Un-yong, Korea DPR forward, also reflected on the success. “It’s so hard to express ourselves right now, this has been a dream of so many of us for so long. The final match was tough, as we expected, even though we had already beaten Japan twice in Asia. We had to remain calm, play according to the coach’s tactical instructions and in the end we could succeed”, she said.